Allen Lark National Champs - Day 2

There can be few better sailing venues than Abersoch with the sun shining and a force 4 breeze. In fact it was champagne sailing quite literally as Ally Dart turned 30 today only to have a bottle of champers piloted out by the beach-master Colin Haighton in his rubber dinghy just as the boats were returning ashore. This did cause quite a stir as Colin was nearly arrested by the beach patrol for motoring through the bathing area. This will surely attract a nomination for the “Duckhams Award” for gross under achievement of the day.

Back to the racing, race 1 started with a gate start and it was Nigel Scott crewed by Harri Condi who stormed up the first beat sorting all the shifts. Second round was David Jessop, followed by the Hydons. Ross Kearny who went low on the next exceedingly tight reach looked to be buried whilst the Hydons battled trying to keep high losing at least 10 places. Peter Gray piled past the Hydons. Arriving at the wing mark Ross had bargained for the tide sweeping him up and rounded behind Scott with Gray pushing hard. After a battle amongst the three it was Gray who emerged the winner showing awesome down wind speed (perhaps due to his bright pink kite). Ross Kearny came in second and Scott in a well earned third.

Race 2 flicked to a line start and déjà vu we had four starts, all good practice! The final start saw the Hydons push through at the committee boat end and navigate the shifts up the first beat. They rounded first just in front of Gray and Emma Harris. After problems locating the wing mark the Hydons managed to extend there lead using their threatening giant Taz logoed kite. At the bottom mark Gray let Harris through owing to an inability to get the kite down. At this point Krailing was motoring up wind and managed to catch and overtake Harris. The race ended with Hydon taking line honours with Krailing second followed by Harris.

With four races sailed the fleet is split with four different race winners, making it a still a wide open competition. Krailing and Linsell are top, with Hall and Haighton 2 points behind. Will Croxford and Chris Warburton are heading up the Silver fleet in 10th overall, whilst the bronze fleet leaders are Jon White and Rob Woodward in 13th.